Sleeves and Masks (Pierce the Veil Fanfiction)

Chapter One: Hallways and Dirty Bathrooms

*Valerie's P.O.V*

Dreams influence our thoughts, actions, and ambitions. This is why I dream often; to find out who I am and who I strive to be. I still don't know who I am and I gave up searching a long time ago. I don't know what occupation I intend to be, nor do I have interests in university options following my short (yet long) high school career. I don't know if I will even be alive to fully confirm and decide upon those decisons. I'm still trying to figure that out as well.

The people I surround myself with are presently happy. A more accurate description of my friends are beautiful masks, that are never taken off in public. They are so happy when society is watching, but somehow the mask just cracks when they're alone or it's just me and them. When I write, I actively think of my friends. Usually, I sort of sit back and observe while they're in action. I get most of my inspiration from others, as well as my own personal experiences and interests. Presumably, Pierce the Veil.

"Hey, Val! I'm heading to the Mexican restaurant across the street after school. Wanna join?"

I turn around naturally reacting to the mention of my name and am faced with my best friend since sixth grade, Danielle. Her brown hair was down today and her black rimmed glasses hid her blue eyes, and a floral shirt and skinny jeans complimented her shape very well. I couldn't help but smile as a perverted senior looked at her ass.

"Sure, who's coming? I'll just text my dad and tell him I'm with you," I said as we walked down the hallway to our 7th period class.

"Oh, just the usual. Only you and I," she scoffed, which made us both smile at each other. Dani and I didn't really need anyone else. We had each other and that was enough, we both knew that.

"Well, I will meet you at the restaurant, okay? I have to clean my locker out before I leave school today," I reminded her. She rolled her eyes at me and my constant cleaning habits.

"Alright, Val. Be safe walking over there!" She skipped away into the Spanish room with a wave over her shoulder. I shook my head and stifled a laugh at the way she's been acting lately. Dani was usually introverted and shy which made it seem like she changed over night.

Slowly, I waited to make sure that everyone was cleared out of the hallways so I could detour into the bathroom to get my mind off things. Screw algebra class, I wasn't in the mood for the quadratic equation today. I'm terrible at math and I don't need test scores to reflect my thoughts. I blew the hair out of my eyes and proceeded into the dingy bathroom.

When I walked in, I was simply unphased by my surroundings. The blue paint on the walls were peeling horridly as well on the stall doors, most of the mirrors were either cracked or covered in filth, which took the attention away from the leaking sinks. The once white floors were now covered in piss, toilet paper, and humanly fluids that more than likely did not come from a girl. The bathroom smelled faintly of cigarette smoke and flirtatious perfume. It was odd, but welcoming. I came in here often anyways between classes to think by myself, so I was immune to the smell.

I squinted at the cleanest mirror and saw my reflection, instantly regretting it. The dark circles under my eyes were the main focal point of my face. They hung low underneath my hazel eyes and looked as if I got punched in the face. My wavy, light blue hair seemed dull and my lips looked chapped. My black Pierce the Veil band tee hugged my chest, fully showing my biggest asset without question, but complimented the printed leggings I had on. My black vans were tattered and worn but looked like I purchased them that way. However, I still felt terrible and just plain weak. I felt as if my life didn't matter.

On the other hand, I was wearing my favorite shirt which made me insanely happy. These four dorks have helped me tremendously and I wish I could personally thank them, ya know? Sure, I could tweet them saying thank you in 140 characters or less but it would get lost in a sea of other tweets from fans and it wouldn't be enough for me to just say that. I needed to give them more than a few words.

Sighing, I lightly traced my scars underneath my sleeve and thought about how one day I will see them. I will thank them for saving my life with their music. I silently promised myself that they would know my story.